Superb, in-depth survey explores animism, totemism, fetishism, creation myths, Egyptian priesthood, numerous deities, alchemy, Egyptian art and magic, other fascinating topics. Includes over 50 photographs and illustrations.

In this volume the myths and legends of ancient Egypt are embraced in a historical narrative which begins with the rise of the great Nilotic civilization and ends with the Graeco-Roman Age. The principal deities are dealt with chiefly at the various periods in which they came into prominence, while the legends are so arranged as to throw light on the beliefs and manners and customs of the ancient people. Metrical renderings are given of such of the representative folk songs and poems as can be appreciated at the present day. Egyptian mythology is of highly complex character, and cannot be considered apart from its racial and historical aspects. The Egyptians were, as a Hebrew prophet has declared, a "mingled people", and this view has been confirmed by recent ethnological research: "the process; of racial fusion begun in the Delta at the dawn of history", says Professor Elliot Smith, "spread through the whole land of Egypt". In localities the early Nilotic inhabitants accepted the religious beliefs of settlers, and fused these with their own. They also clung tenaciously to the crude and primitive tribal beliefs of their remote ancestors, and never abandoned an archaic conception even when they acquired new and more enlightened ideas; they accepted myths literally, and regarded with great sanctity ancient ceremonies and usages. They even showed a tendency to multiply rather than to reduce the number of their gods and goddesses, by symbolizing their attributes. As a result, we find it necessary to deal with a bewildering number of deities and a confused mass of beliefs, many of which are obscure and contradictory. But the average Egyptian was never dismayed by inconsistencies in religious matters: he seemed rather to be fascinated by them. There was, strictly speaking, no orthodox creed in Egypt; each provincial centre had its own distinctive theological system, and the religion of an individual appears to have depended mainly on his habits of life. "The Egyptian", as Professor Wiedemann has said, "never attempted to systematize his conceptions of the different divinities into a homogeneous religion. It is open to us to speak of the religious ideas of the Egyptians, but not of an Egyptian religion."Ê

9 of the most interesting Egyptian legends in hieroglyphic texts with literal translations on facing pages. The Legend of Creation, The Legend of the Destruction of Mankind, 7 more. 19 illustrations.

Nine of the most interesting Egyptian legends in hieroglyphic texts with literal translations on facing pages. The Legend of Creation, The Legend of the Destruction of Mankind, 7 more. 19 illustrations.

Within this small book you will find six distinctive folk tales from the ancient land of Egypt translated and edited by that giant of Egyptology – W. M. Flinders Petrie (1853 – 1942). Petrie was a pioneer of systematic methodology in archaeology and preservation of artefacts, so we can be sure when he was translating these tales he took care to arrive at the correct translation. Herein you will find the Tales Of The Magicians, Baufra's Tale, Hordedef's Tale, The Peasant And The Workman, The Shipwrecked Sailor and The Adventures Of Sanehat - each with their own set of explanatory remarks and notes appended to the story. Prior to this volume being published in 1899, the tales of ancient Egypt had appeared collectively only in French. The aim of the 22 BnW illustrations, by Tristram Ellis, has been to give a correct picture of the character of each of the various ages to which these tales belong, for there is a definite period assigned to each tale. For each drawing Flinders Petrie searched for the material among the monuments and remains of the age in question – no easy task. The details of the dresses, the architecture, and the utensils, are all in accord with the period of each tale. In the tale of Setnau two different styles are introduced. Ahura is probably of the time of Amenhotep III., whereas Setnau is a son of Ramessu II.; and the change of fashion between the two different dynasties has been followed as distinctive of the two persons, one a ka or double of the deceased, the other a living man. So, whether you’re an academic or someone simply interested in the ancient stories of Egypt, sit back and enjoy this excellent volume of tales.

The world's myths are filled with characters, creatures, and stories that have fascinated people for thousands of years. This series mixes dramatic retellings and non-fiction information to give a full picture of a culture's myths. This book explores the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Egyptian myths and legends so compelling.

In this volume the myths and legends of ancient Egypt are embraced in a historical narrative which begins with the rise of the great Nilotic civilization and ends with the Græco−Roman Age. The principal deities are dealt with chiefly at the various periods in which they came into prominence, while the legends are so arranged as to throw light on the beliefs and manners and customs of the ancient people. Metrical renderings are given of such of the representative folk songs and poems as can be appreciated at the present day.

Delve into a world of strange creatures, magical powers, and warring gods in this thrilling compendium of ancient Egyptian myths. With 20 exciting tales alongside fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers interested in one of the world's great early civilizations. From the creation of the world, to the pharaohs worshipped as gods, this book charts the full sweep of ancient Egyptian mythology, revealing fascinating elements of culture and religion along the way. The enthralling stories introduce mighty gods and wicked villains, while a handy reference section includes information about the ancient Egyptians themselves. Learn how Ra fought daily battles to make the Sun rise, how trouble-making Set brought chaos to the kingdom, and how Osiris became the first mummy.

Egyptian Myth: A Treasury of Legends, Art, and History

As many as six thousand years ago, when their civilization flourished in the Nile River valley, the ancient Egyptians told many of the myths in this book. In MYTHOLOGY OF THE EGYPTIANS, author Don Nardo discusses various myths, including "The Creation of the Gods and Humans," and "The Near Destruction of Humanity." Nardo also introduces us to the story within a story in "The Shipwrecked Sailor." Each chapter is followed by a Question and Answer section which covers characters, themes, and symbols. An Expert Commentary section enhances the myths with opinions by noted scholars. This book is developed from EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY to allow republication of the original text into ebook, paperback, and trade editions.